England came from behind to secure their place in the last 16 of the World Cup as a second-half brace from Harry Kane ensured a 2-1 win over DR Congo on Wednesday. The Three Lions were largely poor for long periods in Atlanta, but Kane's goals, which were both assisted by substitute Anthony Gordon, set up a meeting with co-hosts Mexico on Sunday.
Harry Kane and England have been left furious after the striker was denied a penalty in the closing stages of the first half against DR Congo. The referee waved away the appeals, suggesting Kane had dived, sparking a massive debate among pundits like Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney. Some claimed it was a clear foul, while others praised the referee for ignoring the dive.
Declan Rice is “world-class” already, former Arsenal midfielder Stefan Schwarz has told GOAL, with the Gunners star considered to boast a special quality that makes him a potential Ballon d’Or contender of the future. England international Rice is hoping to come into contention for that prize while chasing down more major honours with club and country.
Ashley Cole has announced his departure from Serie B side Cesena, bringing an abrupt end to his first head coaching role after just three months. The former England international decided to step down following internal discussions regarding the club’s future direction.
Declan Rice believes the current England squad features the best penalty takers the nation has ever seen. Ahead of a World Cup round of 32 clash against DR Congo, the midfielder expressed absolute confidence in his team-mates' abilities. While acknowledging past nerves, he insists the group is fully prepared for a shootout if required under Thomas Tuchel.
Noni Madueke has expressed his absolute bewilderment at anyone doubting Jude Bellingham, labelling the England superstar as a world-class talent after a stellar World Cup. The winger insists that the Real Madrid midfielder always delivers on the biggest stages, and his unplayable display against Panama was just business as usual for the Three Lions.
It hasn't always been pretty, but England have achieved their aim of winning their World Cup group to set up a favourable last-32 tie. They will face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday after eventually seeing off Panama last time out, but form and fitness mean Thomas Tuchel's team selection is far from certain as the knockout stage gets underway.
Declan Rice has provided a positive update on his fitness as England prepare for their 2026 World Cup last-32 clash with DR Congo in Atlanta. The Arsenal midfielder was a notable absentee from the final group stage win over Panama, sparking fears that Thomas Tuchel could be without his midfield anchor for the start of the knockout rounds.
Michael Owen has sensationally labelled Harry Kane as England's greatest-ever striker, admitting he was wrong to previously doubt the forward's natural finishing ability. However, the former Three Lions star believes Kane made a significant tactical error by choosing to join Bayern Munich instead of chasing records in the Premier League.
Jordan Pickford has sounded a defiant battle cry ahead of England's World Cup knockout campaign, claiming the squad is prepared to "go to war" for manager Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions are looking to build on their group stage momentum as they prepare for a high-stakes last-32 encounter against DR Congo in North America.
Jude Bellingham has revealed he would love to play James Bond once his football career comes to an end. The England star, who has impressed at the 2026 World Cup, admitted he is a huge fan of the iconic spy franchise and even joked that he could one day land the starring role.
Jude Bellingham had a pretty good excuse to cut his interview with ITV off slightly early. There he was, on the pitch in New Jersey, waxing lyrical about Harry Kane's impact for England when, in the background, voices started to swell up from one end of the stadium, signing 'Hey Jude' in unison.
England captain Harry Kane is set to commit his long-term future to Bayern Munich after deciding to reject interest from Barcelona. The prolific striker has informed the Catalan giants that he is settled in Germany and has no intention of seeking a move away from the Allianz Arena.
Just three games into the 2026 World Cup, England find themselves shorn of all three of their named options at right-back, making what was once an abundant area of the pitch for the Three Lions a real problem position at the worst possible time. Reece James, Tino Livramento and Jarell Quansah are all out injured, and Thomas Tuchel is now under significant scrutiny for some bizarre selection calls.
Former England internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright have voiced their serious "concern" for Bukayo Saka’s physical condition as the Three Lions prepare for the business end of the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal star has been managing a persistent injury that appears to be limiting his impact on the global stage.
Cole Palmer has been made aware of what he needs to do in order to become a “great player”, with Frank Leboeuf admitting to GOAL that the Chelsea star’s World Cup snub with England will feel like a “big slap in the face”. The enigmatic playmaker remains a match-winner at Stamford Bridge, but his numbers have dipped year on year after making a dazzling start to his spell in west London.
Comprehensive match preview of England vs DR Congo at the World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news, and more ahead of this Round of 32 clash in Atlanta.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on Thomas Tuchel to make a ruthless selection call by dropping Declan Rice for England’s World Cup knockout campaign. The former midfielder believes the Three Lions must adopt a more aggressive tactical approach if they are to bridge the gap to tournament heavyweights like France and Argentina.
Peter Shilton has explained to GOAL how VAR would have changed the course of history had it been around in 1986, as there would have been no ‘Hand of God’, individual wonder goal or World Cup win for Diego Maradona. Argentina’s mercurial No.10 quite literally carried his nation to global glory single-handedly on Mexican soil, with his most memorable performance being delivered against England at the quarter-final stage.
It’s time for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, which means it’s time for penalty shootout drama. Generally, England have a terrible reputation when it comes to spot-kicks, winning just four of the 11 shootouts they’ve participated in. But the signs suggest the tide is turning, with three of those wins coming in their last four.
Barcelona have sensationaly reached out to the representatives of Harry Kane as they look to pull off one of the most ambitious transfers in recent memory. The Catalan giants are reportedly exploring a move for the England captain, who is currently starring at the World Cup, as they search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.
Frank Lampard is, after overseeing promotion into the Premier League at Coventry, being backed to become a contender for the England manager’s top. Ex-Three Lions captain Terry Butcher has told GOAL why he is hoping to see more home-grown coaches compete for that prestigious post, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney not being ruled out of the equation just yet.
After Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick sparked a wave of viral memes for sitting on Brazil's bench, Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo is now the main subject. England boss Thomas Tuchel's decision to keep the 21-year-old out of his starting lineup at the 2026 World Cup has triggered internet jokes, making the midfielder a meme sensation.
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England
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